an unforgettable day

Today my brother, Caleb, and I went to Armenia Bonito to spend the day with my "adopted family" (important to note that they only speak Spanish and all the following happenings were in Spanish). ;) We arrived a little late due to the punctuality of the Honduran public transportation system - and as we were walking down the path to get to their house, Antono and Jessica ran to greet us with hugs. We then walked hand-in-hand to their house, where I introduced Caleb and he was given a very quick tour before being whisked outside with Antono, Noel, and the other guys to play with the soccer ball and football. I was left inside with the women - Angela (the mother) and her daughters Danyi, Jessica, and Heysi. I immediately heard a CD of children singing Spanish praise songs that I had given to the girls when I visited with my mom two weeks earlier - and the CD continued to play on repeat the entire time we were in the house. We spent the rest of the morning playing with games and toys we had brought - and I discovered that I am very proficient at turning a jump rope, not so good at playing jacks, and great at teaching how to play pick-up sticks. Caleb was outside playing sports until he was drenched in sweat and then came inside to sit in front of the fan and draw with Antono.

We ate lunch together - and I was glad that they didn't treat us TOO much like guests, as I was able to help serve the food and clean up a little bit afterwards. We sat on the floor to eat, and the mother - who ate last - ate with her hands, as there were not enough forks for everyone.
Afterwards, we decided to go to a nearby river and swim at a place called "tres pierdas". As we started out, Antono asked Caleb and me if we like to walk. Of course, not understanding all that the question implied, we replied, "yes." Well, that was apparently the correct answer, since we then proceeded to walk for 45 minutes to get to this place... all the while I am thinking - "I am going to have to walk back this way?!" Needless to say, Caleb and I are both a little pinker in our skin color than we expected.
The rio was beautiful - and SOOOO refreshing in the hot sun. I was struck by the fact that it was all "locals" there, even this week when Ceiba has the largest influx of tourists in town. I was also struck by the fact that they all went swimming in their clothes. When I asked about it - I found out they do this for two reasons, they can't afford a bathing suit and since they don't have a suit to wear, they are too modest to swim in anything less. I watched as women got in the river in their skirts and blouses - and everyone had big grins just to have the chance to swim.

Caleb and I had to cut the time at the river short.. and walk another 45 minutes to return to Armenia Bonito by 4pm in order to catch the last bus back into Ceiba. We were there at the bus stop by 3:40... and waited... and waited... and waited... and by 4:30, with the sky getting darker with more threatening clouds and less sun, we decided that the bus was not coming. Good thing we like to walk. We said our goodbyes (even though we were offered beds at our abuela's house to spend the night) and we started walking toward the main road. This entails walking ALL the way through Armenia Bonito, around the airport, and then ALL the way through Primero de Mayo (another village). Well, after about another 45 minute walk, when we were ALMOST to the main road, a taxi came to our rescue and took us all the way home. Talk about being tired!

As we walked, we had time to reflect upon the day... and I realized how I feel like such a part of their community. From the beginning, I was drawn to two little girls who love to smile, to play, to share their lives with me. I am constantly amazed that while this family has next to nothing, they are so happy and so hospitable to their guests. It was hard for me to think that perhaps because of the large meal we had today, they wouldn't eat perhaps for the rest of the week. Despite that reality, it didn't stop them from opening their house and making both myself and my brother feel comfortable and welcome.

I am having a hard time knowing what to do with all of this - as I have the means to give them so much, and would LOVE to give them all things that they don't have - but know that it won't fix a long term problem. I struggle with the fact that I am leaving Honduras for who knows how long in less than 6 weeks and I won't be around to continue to be a presence in their lives. And as I struggle with these things, the Lord continually reminds me that as much as I care about them, that HE cares about them more - and that even when I am not around, HE is. And He always will be. And I have to trust Him and continue to be faithful to the things and the people that are in my life now... faithful to live my life openly before them, faithful to give God glory for all that He has created and what He has done in my life, and faithful to LOVE unconditionally - just as I am loved. I know it is impossible for me to do these things, but with Christ ALL things are possible.